O. Henry (11 September, 1862 – 5 June, 1910) was an American writer, known for his short stories.
- Born in Greensboro, NC as William Sidney Porter to a physician and housewife. His mother died when the author was three years old at childbirth.
- By the time he was 19 years old, Mr. Porter was already a licensed pharmacist and his uncle’s drugstore. Along with dispensing drugs, he also sketched the town people.
- In 1882 Mr. Porter moved to Austin, Texas hoping the climate would help his persistent cough.
- Mr. Porter eloped with Athol Estes because her wealthy family objected to the marriage, as she was ill.
- The couple had a son who died several hours after his birth, and a daughter.
- Mr. Porter found a job at the First National Bank of Austin. At an audit it was found that something no good was going one and he was accused of embezzlement.
- Mr. Porter fled to Honduras, but returned about a year later to face a trial. He was found guilty and sentenced for three years at the Ohio penitentiary.
- During his time in jail he focused on writing and took on the nom de plume O. Henry.
- Mr. Porter told the New York Times in 1909 that the name “Henry” was from the newspaper and he added the “O” because it was an easy letter.
- Because of his famous short story, Gift of the Magi, it has become a tradition to leave sixty cents in pennies on his grave.
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